Researchers found that consuming zinc-enriched foods can reduce oxidative stress and DNA damage in humans. The study suggests a new strategy for measuring the impact of zinc on health, with implications for mitigating micronutrient deficiencies worldwide.
A team of scientists has unveiled a novel role for thymic dendritic cells in regulating T cell egress into the bloodstream. This discovery could lead to new treatments for autoimmune diseases and cancer by understanding how the body regulates lymphocyte trafficking.
A team at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals has been awarded a $1.2 million grant to develop methods for identifying mutations that cause inherited diseases and diagnose difficult-to-treat genetic conditions. The project, led by Dr. David Martin, will leverage a new genome sequencing method to improve precision medicine in the state.
A study by UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute has found a new mutant vaccine antigen that significantly improves protective antibody responses against meningococcus. The results show up to 15-fold greater protection, with potential implications for improved vaccines for infants and young children.
A new study found that a DASH diet with higher fat content significantly lowers blood pressure and reduces triglycerides. The modified diet did not raise LDL cholesterol levels, making it a viable alternative to the traditional DASH diet.
A $13.18 million NIH grant will enable Dr. Krauss and his colleagues to identify genetic determinants of statin efficacy and risk for adverse effects. The research program utilizes a multi-disciplinary approach incorporating genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic tools.
A fruit-based micronutrient and fiber-dense supplement bar improved metabolism, reduced chronic inflammation, and initiated weight loss in overweight/obese individuals. The CHORI-bar's composition is complex and required years of clinical trials to develop.
Research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D can regulate brain serotonin production, influencing behavior and psychiatric disorders. Serotonin affects cognitive functions and behaviors, with low levels linked to conditions such as autism and ADHD.
Researchers found that bioactive sphingolipids contribute to carcinogenesis via programmed cell death pathways and inflammation, but plant-type sphingolipids reduce inflammation and enhance SPL levels. These findings suggest a mechanistic link between diet and cancer prevention.
Dan Granoff, a CHORI scientist, has been recognized with the prestigious Maurice Hilleman/Merck Award for his work on developing vaccines against serogroup B meningococcus and an affordable serogroup A meningococcal conjugate vaccine for Africa.
Researchers from Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute successfully mapped genome methylation in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. The study, published in Genome Research, found that DNA methylation occurs at specific short motifs and is independent of DNMT2 activity.
Researchers Rhonda Patrick and Bruce Ames found a causal link between vitamin D, serotonin synthesis, and autism. Dietary interventions with vitamin D, tryptophan, and omega-3 fatty acids may boost brain serotonin concentrations to prevent and treat symptoms associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Children's Hospital Oakland scientists discover a new class of therapeutic agents, Sphingadienes, found naturally in soy that can prevent and possibly treat colon cancer. Elevated SDs induce the death of mutant cells, revealing SDs as cytotoxic compounds.
Researchers analyzed data from hundreds of published articles to test the triage theory, which suggests optimal intake levels for individual vitamins and minerals. The study found modest vitamin/mineral deficiencies are common and may contribute to age-related conditions.
A groundbreaking study reveals a new avenue for harvesting stem cells from healthy newborn placentas, which contain more stem cells than umbilical cord blood and can be safely extracted for transplantation. The discovery holds promise for curing chronic blood-related disorders such as sickle cell disease and leukemia.
A groundbreaking study reveals how enzymes in the cell cooperate to make fat, providing insights into a potential target for developing new anti-obesity and anti-cancer drugs. The research used state-of-the-art electron microscopy to capture the complex movements of fatty acid synthase, a molecular structure that is extremely flexible.
Scientists at Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland conclude that vitamin D plays an important role in brain development and function. While the exact effects on behavior remain unclear, evidence suggests a beneficial role for vitamin D in protecting against autoimmune diseases and some forms of cancer.
A novel way to remove iron from ferritin has been discovered by scientists, which could lead to the development of new medications for patients with blood diseases. The study found that a small protein or heptapeptide can bind to ferritin and accelerate its iron removal rate.
A new study by Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute reveals that mRNA and protein regulator IRP1 form specific three-dimensional shapes when combined. This discovery could aid in designing medications targeting iron-related diseases such as hemochromotosis, Sickle Cell Disease, and Thalassemia.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute identified a specific enzyme called sphingosine phosphate lyase (SPL) that can cause the death of cancer cells. The study found that SPL makes cancer cells more vulnerable to chemotherapy, while removing the enzyme makes the cells more resistant to treatment.
A new study led by Dr. Deborah Dean suggests that Chlamydia trachomatis is evolving rapidly through recombination, creating new strains and potentially new diseases. The bacterium's ability to customize its attack increases the risk of emerging diseases.
A new study by Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute shows that a mother's diet during pregnancy can affect the health of her grandchildren by changing the behavior of a specific gene. The research involved mice fed with or without nutritional supplements, which resulted in changes to their coat color and obesity levels.
A new study by Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute shows that a pregnant mother's diet can affect the behavior of her pups and even their pups' coats, influencing offspring health for generations. The research uses mice with a unique gene linked to obesity and diabetes, suggesting similar human connections.
A recent study by Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute found that pregnant women who are not anemic should take iron supplements weekly, rather than daily. This approach reduces the risk of iron overload and birth complications, while still providing benefits for iron supplementation.
Researchers discover that excessive amyloid-beta toxicity leads to functional heme deficiency, causing mitochondrial decay and oxidative damage. A new class of targeted drugs could soon be developed to address this underlying mechanism.
A new study finds that heme regulates ferritin gene expression, controlling both iron and antioxidant metabolism. This discovery could lead to treatments for various chronic illnesses.
Researchers found that cocoa flavonoids can bind to and inhibit CFTR, a protein in the intestines that regulates fluid secretion. This discovery could lead to natural treatments for diarrhea that are inexpensive and have few side effects.
A four-year study published in JAMA found that patients with sickle cell disease who had low arginine levels were at a higher risk of death from pulmonary hypertension. The researchers hope to develop new treatments using nutritional supplements or drug therapies to increase arginine availability.
Scientists at Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute use harmless bacteria to create billions of bacterial cells with identical human DNA strands, mapping the X chromosome. The hospital's recombinant DNA library has over 20 million DNA samples used in global research programs.